For centuries, men from every walk of life have been proud to call themselves Masons. The craft has included presidents, states- men, entertainers, and astronauts. Freemasonry has been esteemed by heads of state, leaders of great religious groups, and planners of nations. Even though the roll of Masons who have achieved fame and notoriety is long, it is doubtful that these celebrities have enticed more than a handful of men to seek initiation.

The true Masonic celebrity has probably never been to Holly- wood, or held public office, or received widespread recognition. Outside his domain, he is probably only known by a precious few. But, those who know him respect him. They know he is a man of truth. They know he is a man of honesty. They know he is a man to admire. They know that his word is his bond and his loyalty is unquestioned.

Some would call him old-fashioned, a relic of the past. Given the choice between a profit and a lie, he would not hesitate to speak the truth. He does not seek popularity at the cost of morality. He's not considered "one of the boys." His calling is higher. He seeks better things. To him, the thoughts and deeds of a Mason must always speak for themselves.

You remember him. You should remember him well. Al- though he never outwardly sought admiration, you admired him. Although he never demanded esteem, you respected him. His behavior showed him standing above those around him. For his courage, for his integrity, you looked up to him. Surely you remember this man, he was the one you asked to make you a Mason. He was your Masonic celebrity.

Perhaps that man has gone now, leaving a void. If his actions and his manner inspired you to ask to be a Mason, he probably influenced others, too. Now it is up to you to become the celebrity. Men don't become Masons because of presidents, or astronauts, or television stars. They don't become Masons because of parades, or clowns, or funny little cars. Men become Masons because they want to be like someone they admire. They want to share his time and share his thoughts. They want to be like him.

Do you really know what a Mason is? Do you know what being a Mason means? Are you willing to be the inspiration your celebrity was to you?

Remember, if you are a Mason with all of the honesty, integrity, truth, and morality that the position demands, you are already a celebrity for someone. Someone wants to be like you.